Chapter 1: Stepping into SM Entertainment

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Zama, Kanagawa, Japan was the place where Y/N's love of dance began at the tender age of 5. From the very first plié to the graceful pirouettes, she immersed herself in the rhythmic world of movement. Little did she know that these early steps would lead to a journey as a renowned dancer on social media.

With each dance video she shared, Y/N's popularity soared. Her face, hidden behind a mask, added an air of mystery to her performances. With 500k followers hanging on every move, she became a sensation, known for her mesmerizing choreography and the enigma of her concealed identity.

As high school came to an end, Y/N decided to take a leap of faith. Korea beckoned, not just as a land of academic opportunities but as a realm where she could carve a new chapter in her dance odyssey. Seoul University, with its rich cultural tapestry, became her home for dancing, and linguistics her academic pursuits.

The day finally arrived when Y/N set foot in Seoul, the bustling city that held the promise of change. The dorm at Seoul University became her new sanctuary. Unpacking her belongings, she couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and anticipation for the unknown journey that lay ahead.

With an extra day before the commencement of classes, Y/N decided to let the city embrace her. After she finished unpacking, the clock struck 4 pm. She locked her dorm room and ventured into the vibrant streets of Seoul. The city lights reflected in her eyes, mirroring the spark of curiosity within.

Exploring the beautiful alleys, Y/N discovered hidden gems and savory delights. The aroma of street food wafted through the air as the city came alive with its unique blend of tradition and modernity. Amidst the bustling crowds, she felt a sense of liberation, like a dancer stepping into a new routine.

As evening descended, Y/N found herself seated in a quaint restaurant, savoring the flavors of Korean cuisine, different from the ones at home. As Y/N savored the flavors of Korean cuisine, the bustling ambiance of the restaurant embraced her. The neon lights outside painted the streets with vibrant hues, creating a mesmerizing backdrop for the unfolding encounter.

Suddenly, an older woman with flowing brunette hair and an air of sophistication approached from the table behind. With a warm smile, she asked, "Excuse me, is this seat taken? Mind if I join you?" Y/N hesitated for a moment, glancing at the woman with suspicion before finally nodding. "Sure, go ahead."

Seated next to Y/N, the woman couldn't help but admire her beauty. "You know, you're really beautiful. Are you a student here?"

Y/N, still cautious, replied with a reserved smile, "Thank you. Yes, I'm a college student."

Curiosity gleamed in the woman's eyes as she inquired, "What's your major?"

Y/N, now slightly more at ease, shared, "Linguistics. I've always been fascinated by languages."

The woman seemed surprised and intrigued. "Really? How many languages do you know?"

Y/N explained her language journey, starting with Japanese as her native tongue, picking up Korean at the age of 14, and studying English in high school. The woman applauded her determination, "That's impressive! Do you plan on joining any clubs at the university?"

With a gleam in her eyes, Y/N revealed her passion for dance. "I've been dancing for 13 years. I plan on joining as many dance clubs as possible." The woman's ears perked up in surprise and intrigue.

"Do you have any footage of your dancing?" the woman asked. Y/N agreed and shared a collection of videos showcasing her dance skills. As the woman watched, a flicker of recognition crossed her face. "Wait, I think I've seen these before. Is your name Boo Heejoo?"

Y/N chuckled, "That's my dancing name. My real name is Y/N."

The woman's expression shifted to shock as she reached into her purse, pulling out a business card, "You have to come to this address. The company would love to have you."

Y/N, puzzled, asked, "What company is this?" When she received the business card, her eyes widened—it read SM Entertainment.

Y/N's eyes widened in shock as the realization of the opportunity before her set in. Honored and slightly overwhelmed, she could hardly believe that someone from SM Entertainment, a prestigious entertainment company, was interested in her talents. The woman, with a reassuring smile, began texting on her phone.

"I'll inform my colleagues about the talented dancer I just discovered. They'll continue things from here," the woman explained. Excitement and gratitude filled Y/N's heart as she processed the magnitude of what was unfolding.

As the conversation continued, the woman asked, "Are you free tomorrow? Tuesday? We can start the process then."

Y/N nodded, "Yes, I don't have classes tomorrow. They start the day after."

A warm smile crossed the woman's face. "Perfect. Be at SM Entertainment around 9 am. Show this card to the security guards, and they'll let you through." The woman signed the business card and handed it to Y/N, who thanked her earnestly. In a gesture of camaraderie, they decided to share a meal. The woman spoke about Y/N's potential not only as a backup dancer but also as a model. Flustered, Y/N expressed her gratitude.

After the meal, the woman suggested, "How about I show you around the city?" Y/N, eager for more adventures, agreed with a smile. They embarked on a journey through the vibrant streets, exploring different stores and immersing themselves in the culture. As they strolled, the woman continued to share insights and stories, creating a bond between them. The city lights illuminated their path, and the air buzzed with the excitement of new beginnings. Y/N, grateful for the unexpected turn of events, couldn't help but marvel at the dance of destiny that had led her to this moment.

As Y/N and the woman parted ways, the city's energy lingered in the air. Y/N found herself back at her dorm with the hugest smile, a joyous glow illuminating her features. She tossed herself onto her bed, the excitement bubbling within her like effervescent bubbles. Clutching the business card like a prized possession, she rolled around, feeling like a teenager after an encounter with their crush.

The night held a promise of anticipation, and as the dawn painted the sky with soft hues of pink and orange, Y/N rose with an eager heart. She stood before her wardrobe, contemplating the perfect outfit for a day that could shape her future. Opting for a chic yet comfortable ensemble, she chose a pair of baggy jeans and a tight black top that showcased her good figure. A touch of light makeup accentuated her features, bringing out the sparkle in her eyes.

With her belongings neatly packed, Y/N headed to the bus stop, the morning air crisp against her skin. The city, awakening to a new day, seemed to share in her excitement. As she boarded the bus, the hum of the engine became a melodic prelude to the adventure awaiting her at SM Entertainment.

Arriving at the iconic building, Y/N took a deep breath, her heart pounding with a mixture of nerves and excitement. She approached the security guards, the signed business card clutched in her hand. With a respectful nod, she showed the card, and the security guards, recognizing the insignia of opportunity, ushered her inside.

The elevator ascended to the 5th floor, each floor passing like a chapter in the unfolding story of Y/N's journey. The doors opened, revealing a corridor adorned with images of past and present talents. Y/N's steps echoed in harmony with her racing heartbeat as she was escorted to the heart of SM Entertainment.

As Y/N entered the spacious meeting room, a small stage at the center drew her attention. Eleven people, all in their twenties and thirties, were seated in a line, their eyes fixed on her. In the middle, a stylishly dressed man wearing a bucket hat, baggy hoodie, and loose jeans stood up, exuding an air of confidence.

"Welcome, Y/N. We're excited to see what you've got. Show us any dance you'd like," he invited his team echoing their anticipation with expectant looks. Y/N took a deep breath, the nerves settling in as she prepared to showcase her talent.

In response to the man's invitation, Y/N requested to dance to RIIZE's "Siren." The man looked around at his team, nodding in approval. Y/N moved to the small stage, shaking off her nerves as the music began to play.

As the beats of "Siren" filled the room, Y/N's body responded instinctively. Each movement seamlessly flowed with the music, her body becoming a visual representation of the rhythmic melodies. Her isolations were executed with precision, and her control over every movement was flawless.

The room became a stage, and Y/N danced with a passion that captivated everyone present. As the last notes faded away, the team exchanged glances, a silent acknowledgment passing between them. The man in the middle, clearly impressed, spoke, "Your performance was perfect. We don't need to see more."

With unanimous agreement, the team made their decision. The man turned to Y/N, "Congratulations, Y/N. We'd like to offer you a position as a backup dancer. You'll be paid after each performance. How does that sound?" Y/N, still catching her breath, expressed her gratitude and raised a practical concern.

"How will it work with my schedule?" she inquired.

The man reassured her, "We'll discuss your schedule and make it work around yours. Flexibility is key. If it aligns with your plans, we'd love to have you on board."

Y/N, overwhelmed with joy, thanked them and conveyed her willingness to accept the position if the schedule worked out. The room erupted in applause, a symphony of approval filling the air. 

After the stellar performance, the man led Y/N into a separate room to discuss the practicalities. Y/N eagerly presented her college schedule, revealing that Tuesdays and Thursdays were the only days she could spare due to a jam-packed academic routine on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The man reviewed her schedule, nodding in approval.

"Perfect. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, you can come in for practice, and if there's a performance, we'll aim for those days or even the weekends," he explained. Considering the flexibility required for the entertainment industry, he inquired, "Are you comfortable coming in on any day you're free, without classes?"

Y/N, confident in her time management skills, assured him, "Yes, I can do that." The man nodded in approval, appreciating her dedication. They delved into the paperwork, with the man providing her with the necessary forms to formalize her position.

For the next 30 minutes, Y/N diligently filled out contracts and paperwork, each signature sealing her commitment to the journey ahead. As the ink dried on the documents, the room echoed with the weight of a new partnership, and Y/N couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and gratitude. 

With the paperwork completed and schedules aligned, the man informed Y/N, "Come in on Thursday at 7 am to start your training. We'll decide on the team you'll be part of, and you'll find out on the day." Y/N nodded, expressing her gratitude as she agreed to the early morning training session.

"Also, save my number on your phone, I will be your supervisor," he slid her his business card. 

"Thank you so much. I'll be there at 7 am on Thursday," Y/N said with enthusiasm. The man smiled and replied, "Great. We look forward to having you on board."

After leaving SM Entertainment, Y/N headed back to her dorm with a newfound excitement. She grabbed a quick lunch from the dining hall and settled into her room. Pulling out her semester's syllabus, she meticulously reviewed it, planning a schedule that accommodated both her academic commitments and the upcoming adventures with RIIZE.

Creating a well-organized timetable, Y/N aimed to strike a balance between her studies and the demanding dance training that awaited her. As the evening descended, Y/N found solace in the rhythm of her preparations, her heart pulsating with anticipation for the journey that lay ahead. 


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author's note: hi! i hope you guys like it so far!

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